Idaho Electrical License Requirements: The Complete 2026 DOPL Guide

Whether you are an apprentice just getting started, an experienced electrician moving to Idaho from another state, or someone looking to launch a full electrical contracting business, understanding the Idaho electrical license requirements is the essential first step. Idaho does not take unlicensed electrical work lightly — the state licenses individual electricians and contracting businesses separately, and working without the right credentials can mean serious legal and financial consequences.

This guide pulls every requirement, fee, and exam detail directly from official sources: the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) and the Idaho Administrative Code (IDAPA 24.39.10). No guesswork, no outdated numbers — just the full picture laid out so you can take action.

Quick Answer: What Are the Idaho Electrical License Requirements?

Idaho electrical licensing is regulated by the Idaho Electrical Board under DOPL. To become a licensed Journeyman, you need either 8,000 hours of work experience plus 4 years of approved schooling, or 16,000 hours of work experience — plus a passing score on the NASCLA exam through PSI. The Journeyman license fee is $55 (3-year term); the Master license fee is $65 (3-year term). All applications carry a $15 application fee. As of 2025, continuing education is no longer required for renewal.

Key Takeaways

Keep your Idaho electrical licensing on track with these essential facts:

• Idaho electrical licensing is governed by DOPL: The Idaho Electrical Board operates under Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 10 and sets all licensure standards, fees, and exam requirements.
• Two pathways to Journeyman licensure: Complete 8,000 hours plus a 4-year board-approved apprenticeship school, or accumulate 16,000 hours of work experience with no school required.
• Pass the exam before you apply: You must pass the NASCLA exam via PSI ($75) before submitting your application to DOPL — submitting before passing results in rejection.
• Know your total fees upfront: Journeyman costs $70 all in ($15 application + $55 license); Master costs $80 ($15 + $65); Electrical Contractor is $215 ($15 + $125 + $75 exam).
• No continuing education required as of 2025: The Idaho Electrical Board eliminated the CE renewal requirement — pay your renewal fee and you are done.
• Reciprocity is available but the exam is not waived: Out-of-state electricians with equivalent credentials can skip re-documenting work experience, but must still pass the Idaho PSI exam.

Table of contents

• Why Electrical Licensing Is Required in Idaho
• Who Regulates Electrical Licensing in Idaho?
• Types of Electrical Licenses in Idaho
• Idaho Electrical License Requirements at a Glance
• How to Get Your Idaho Electrical Journeyman License: Step by Step
• How to Get Your Idaho Master Electrician License
• How to Get an Idaho Electrical Contractor License
• The PSI Examination: What to Expect
• Idaho Electrical License Renewal
• Idaho Electrical License Reciprocity
• Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Idaho
• Tips for Passing the Idaho Electrical Exam
• Idaho vs. Neighboring States: How Does Licensing Compare?
• How Much Does an Electrician Make in Idaho?
• FAQs

Why Electrical Licensing Is Required in Idaho

Electricity kills. It sounds blunt, but that is the honest reason behind Idaho’s licensing framework. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, faulty wiring and improper electrical installations are among the leading causes of residential fires in the country, contributing to an estimated 51,000 home fires annually nationwide.

The Idaho Electrical Program exists, as DOPL states directly on its website, “to protect and safeguard life, health, and property of the citizens of Idaho from hazards associated with the use of electricity by ensuring that all electrical installations within the state comply with the most current safety codes and electrical standards.”

For homeowners and business owners, a licensed electrician also carries legal accountability. Permitted and inspected electrical work protects property values, satisfies insurance requirements, and ensures that work can be sold with the property without triggering red flags during a home inspection. For electricians themselves, holding a valid license is the difference between operating legally and risking fines, stop-work orders, and liability for any damage caused by substandard installations.

Who Regulates Electrical Licensing in Idaho?

Electrical licensing in Idaho is overseen by the Idaho Electrical Board, which operates under the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). The Board is responsible for setting licensure standards, approving apprenticeship programs, overseeing the exam process, and taking disciplinary action when necessary.

The governing law is Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 10 (Electricians), and the administrative rules are published under IDAPA 24.39.10 — Rules of the Idaho Electrical Board.

Types of Electrical Licenses in Idaho

Idaho issues several distinct license types for electrical work. Understanding which one you need — and which one to work toward — is crucial before you invest time in training or applications.

Apprentice

An Apprentice Registration is the entry point for anyone new to the electrical trade in Idaho. You must hold an active apprentice registration while accumulating the supervised work hours required for Journeyman licensure. Apprentice registrations are issued for a 1-year term, with a license fee of $15 and a renewal fee of $15.

Working as an apprentice without an active registration is not permitted — this is one of the most common compliance mistakes new entrants make.

Provisional Journeyman

The Provisional Journeyman license is for individuals who have completed the 16,000-hour work-experience pathway but have not yet passed the PSI exam. It is a temporary 6-month license — but they must work under the constant on-the-job supervision of a licensed Master or Journeyman at all times. The license can be renewed once only, if the applicant failed the exam or an exceptional circumstance prevented them from sitting for it. License fee: $55, one-time renewal (6 Months) fee: $45. No reinstatement available.

Journeyman Electrician

This is the core working credential for electricians in Idaho. A licensed Journeyman is authorized to perform and supervise electrical installations under the direction of an electrical contractor. The Journeyman license has a 3-year term, with an initial license fee of $55 and a renewal fee of $45.

To qualify, you must have either:

• 8,000 hours of supervised work experience AND completion of a 4-year board-approved apprenticeship school program, OR
• 16,000 hours of supervised electrical installation experience (work experience pathway — no school required)

You must also pass the NASCLA exam through PSI before submitting your application to DOPL.

Master Electrician

The Master Electrician license is required to plan, lay out, and supervise electrical installations, and is a prerequisite for owning an electrical contracting business. To qualify, you must have held an active Idaho Journeyman license for 4 years and pass the NASCLA Master Electrician exam through PSI. The Master license has a 3-year term, with an initial fee of $65 and a renewal fee of $45.

Electrical Contractor

An Electrical Contractor license authorizes a business entity or individual to offer electrical contracting services in Idaho. This is a business-level license — distinct from the individual Journeyman or Master credential — and is required for anyone who bids, contracts for, or undertakes electrical work for compensation.

To obtain an Electrical Contractor license, the entity must:

• Employ at least one active Idaho-licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician
• Pass the Idaho electrical contractor exam administered through PSI
• Pay a license fee of $125 (1-year term) with a renewal fee of $100

Limited Trainee

The Limited Trainee license is for individuals training in a specialized area of electrical work (such as signs, irrigation, or low-voltage systems) under the direct supervision of a licensed Limited Installer. License fee: $30 (3-year term), renewal: $25.

Limited Installer

A Limited Installer is a specialist licensed to perform specific categories of electrical work that fall outside the standard Journeyman scope — for example, electrical sign work, irrigation systems, or low-voltage installations. The pathway requires 4,000 hours (approximately 2 years) of relevant supervised work experience. License fee: $55 (3-year term), renewal: $45.

Limited Contractor

A Limited Contractor is the business-entity equivalent of the Limited Installer — authorizing a company to contract for specialized categories of electrical work. License fee: $125 (1-year term), renewal: $100.

Idaho Electrical License Requirements at a Glance

License Type	Experience Required	Fees (License / Renewal)	Term
Apprentice	Active registration required	$15 / $15	1 year
Provisional Journeyman	16,000 hrs — exam not yet passed	$55 / $48	6 months
Journeyman	8,000 hrs + 4-yr school OR 16,000 hrs	$55 / $45	3 years
Master Electrician	Active Journeyman license for 4 years	$65 / $45	3 years
Electrical Contractor	Employ licensed Journeyman or Master	$125 / $100	1 year
Limited Trainee	Under supervision of Limited Installer	$30 / $25	3 years
Limited Installer	4,000 hours supervised work	$55 / $45	3 years
Limited Contractor	Employ licensed Limited Installer	$125 / $100	1 year
Application Fee	All license types	$15	—
PSI Exam Fee	All license types	$75	—

How to Get Your Idaho Electrical Journeyman License: Step by Step

Step 1 – Register as an Electrical Apprentice

Before you can start accumulating the work hours required for Journeyman licensure, you must hold an active Idaho Electrical Apprentice Registration through DOPL. You can apply online through the DOPL Online Services Portal.

The apprentice registration is $15 to obtain and renews annually at $15. It is not optional — hours worked without an active registration do not count toward your Journeyman requirements.

Important note: Work experience in appliance repair, motor winding, or communications does not count toward Journeyman or Provisional Journeyman license requirements, per Idaho Administrative Code IDAPA 24.39.10.100.

Step 2 – Complete Hours and Schooling (Choose Your Pathway)

Idaho offers two pathways to Journeyman eligibility:

Pathway A — Apprenticeship School + Work Experience:

• Complete a board-approved electrical apprenticeship program (4-year sequence)
• Accumulate 8,000 hours of supervised electrical installation work

Board-approved apprenticeship schools in Idaho include:

• College of Southern Idaho
• College of Western Idaho
• College of Eastern Idaho
• Idaho State University
• Lewis-Clark State College
• North Idaho College
• Southwest Idaho Electrical JATC
• Eastern Idaho Electrical JATC
• IEC Idaho
• Porter House Inc. (Shelley and Mountain Home)
• DC Electric Inc.
• Treasure Valley Community College
• Faith Technologies Incorporated

A full, current list of board-approved programs is published on the DOPL Program Information page.

Pathway B — Work Experience Only:

• Accumulate 16,000 hours of supervised electrical installation work (no school required)

Both pathways require a completed Work Verification Form for each employer, signed by your supervising electrician, submitted with your DOPL application.

Step 3 – Register and Pass the NASCLA Exam via PSI

This is the step that trips up more applicants than any other: you must pass the exam before submitting your license application to DOPL — not after. The process has changed, and submitting an application before passing will result in rejection.

Here is how to register:

1. Log in to the DOPL Online Services Portal and create a customer account
2. Go to PSI’s exam registration site at test-takers.psiexams.com/idcon/test
3. Select your exam (Journeyman Electrician or NASCLA Journeyman Electrician)
4. Complete the application — it is an automated acceptance process
5. Once accepted, go to the scheduling tab to book your exam date and pay the $75 exam fee

If you need help scheduling, contact PSI directly at (855) 340-3713.

The Journeyman exam has 100 questions with a 270-minute time limit. A passing score is 70%. The exam is open book — approved reference materials are listed in the PSI Candidate Bulletin.

Step 4 – Apply for Your Journeyman License through DOPL

After passing your exam, submit your Journeyman license application to DOPL. You can apply:

• Online: through edopl.idaho.gov
• By email: customer-service@dopl.idaho.gov
• By mail: Idaho DOPL, C/O Trade Licensing, PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0063
• In person: 11341 W. Chinden Blvd., Boise | 1250 Ironwood Dr. Ste 220, Coeur d’Alene | 155 N. Maple St., Blackfoot

Your complete application packet must include:

• Completed and signed Journeyman Application
• $15 non-refundable application fee + $55 license fee ($70 total processing fee)
• Passing examination score (required prior to submission)
• Work Verification Form(s) — one per employer
• Certificate of Completion from an Idaho Apprenticeship School (if applicable)
• License Verification Form from another state (if applying via reciprocity)
• Proof of Military or Veteran Status (DD-214), if applicable

The official application form is available here: ELE Electrical Journeyman Application (PDF)

How to Get Your Idaho Master Electrician License

The Master Electrician license is the top individual credential in Idaho’s electrical hierarchy. Here is exactly what you need:

Eligibility:

• Hold an active Idaho Electrical Journeyman license for a minimum of 4 years
• Pass the NASCLA Master Electrician exam through PSI

Exam: Same PSI registration process as the Journeyman exam. The Master exam is also open book, with a passing score of 75%, and carries the same $75 PSI exam fee.

Application:

• $15 application fee + $65 license fee ($80 total processing fee)
• Submit via the DOPL Online Portal or by mail

License term: 3 years, renewable at $45

As of 2025, continuing education is no longer required to renew a Master Electrician license in Idaho. This is a significant change from previous years — if you’ve been out of Idaho for a while or received advice based on older rules, note that the CE requirement has been eliminated.

A Master Electrician license authorizes you to plan, lay out, and supervise all electrical installations, and is a prerequisite for obtaining an Electrical Contractor license.

How to Get an Idaho Electrical Contractor License

If you want to operate an electrical contracting business in Idaho — bidding on jobs, signing contracts, and pulling permits in your company’s name — you need an Electrical Contractor License in addition to any individual credentials you hold.

Requirements:

• The business must employ at least one active Idaho-licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician
• Pass the Idaho Electrical Contractor exam through PSI
• Submit proof of $300,000 liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance (unless specifically exempt under Idaho law)
• Pay the $125 initial license fee (1-year term)

Read More: DOPL Electrical Contractor Application

The Electrical Contractor license is renewed annually at $100. Each business location where electrical contracting services are offered must be separately licensed.

Contractors are also responsible for obtaining electrical permits before beginning any electrical installation work. You can purchase permits through the DOPL online portal, and inspections can be requested directly through edopl.idaho.gov.

The PSI Examination: What to Expect

All Idaho electrical licensing exams are administered through PSI, the state’s official testing partner. This replaced the old DOPL authorization letter system — you now schedule directly with PSI before applying to DOPL.

Journeyman Exam Details

• Questions: 100 multiple-choice
• Time limit: 270 minutes — verify current time against the PSI Candidate Bulletin before your exam date
• Passing score: 70%
• Format: Open book (approved references only)
• Fee: $75

What it covers: Idaho statutes and administrative rules, the National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical theory, wiring methods, and safety standards. You must bring your own printed reference materials — they are not provided at the test center.

Important: The Contractor Reference Manual must be printed, hole-punched, and placed in a three-ring binder before your exam date. Pre-exam highlighting and underlining are permitted; writing during the exam is not. Post-its and temporary markers are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated.

Master Electrician Exam Details

• Questions: Varies (check current PSI Candidate Bulletin)
• Passing score: 75%
• Format: Open book
• Fee: $75

The Master exam tests more advanced planning, layout, and code interpretation skills than the Journeyman exam. Study from the specific PSI Candidate Bulletin for the Master exam — the content and reference list differ from the Journeyman bulletin.

Contractor Exam Details

The Electrical Contractor exam focuses on Idaho business and law requirements, including licensing statutes, contractor obligations, and permit rules. Reference material is the DOPL Contractors’ Business and Law Reference Manual, available as a free PDF from DOPL.

Idaho Electrical License Renewal

Idaho electrical licenses do not renew on a single statewide schedule — renewal dates are based on each individual’s initial issue date. Here is what you need to know:

Journeyman and Master: 3-year renewal cycle. Renewal fee is $45 for both license types.

Electrical Contractor: Annual renewal. Renewal fee is $100.

Apprentice: Annual renewal. Renewal fee is $15.

Continuing Education — Important 2025 Update:

As of 2025, continuing education (CE) is no longer required to renew an Idaho Electrical Journeyman or Master license. This is a recent rule change that caught many practitioners off guard. If you received advice based on pre-2025 rules or from an out-of-date source, note that the CE requirement has been eliminated. DOPL’s official guidance confirms this change.

Reinstatement: If your license lapses, reinstatement fees apply: $55 for Journeyman and Master, $125 for Electrical Contractor and Limited Contractor, $30 for Limited Trainee. Reinstatement is not available for Provisional Journeyman.

You can renew your license online through edopl.idaho.gov. DOPL also provides a step-by-step How to Complete a Renewal guide on their website.

Idaho Electrical License Reciprocity

If you hold an active electrical license from another state and want to work in Idaho, you may be eligible for reciprocal licensure — meaning you may not need to start from scratch with experience hours.

Idaho accepts reciprocal applications for Journeyman and Master licensure. To qualify through reciprocity, your out-of-state license must show:

1. Requirements for licensure in your home state (must include either 4 years of apprenticeship school plus 8,000 hours, OR 16,000 hours of work experience)
2. That your license is currently active
3. Proof that licensure was obtained by examination
4. The date your license was originally issued

You must submit a License Verification Form completed by the licensing authority of your home state — a copy of your license alone is not accepted.

You still need to pass the Idaho-specific exam through PSI. The reciprocity pathway does not waive the examination requirement; it waives the need to repeat the work experience documentation from scratch, provided your home state’s standards are equivalent to Idaho’s.

Submit your reciprocal application with the same $15 application fee, applicable license fee, and supporting documentation to DOPL.

Active military members and veterans may be eligible for expedited processing and fee waivers. See DOPL’s Military Service Members and Spouses page for details.

Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Idaho

Working as an electrician or contracting electrical work in Idaho without the required license is a direct violation of Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 10. The consequences can be severe:

• Civil penalties — DOPL has the authority to levy financial penalties for violations
• Stop-work orders — Ongoing jobs can be shut down immediately
• Unpermitted work complications — Unpermitted electrical installations can require complete removal and redo at the property owner’s expense
• Insurance voidance — Homeowners’ and commercial insurance policies frequently exclude coverage for damage caused by unlicensed work
• License discipline — For licensees who allow others to work under their license without proper supervision, disciplinary action including suspension or revocation is possible
• Legal liability — If unlicensed electrical work causes a fire, injury, or death, criminal and civil liability exposure is substantial

You can search for licensed electricians and verify contractor credentials through the DOPL License Search.

Tips for Passing the Idaho Electrical Exam

Passing on your first attempt saves you $75 in re-exam fees and weeks of waiting. Here is what consistently works:

1. Download and study the correct PSI Candidate Bulletin first. The Candidate Bulletin for your specific exam (Journeyman, Master, or Contractor) tells you exactly what reference materials to bring, the topic breakdown, and the number of questions per section. Find it at test-takers.psiexams.com/idcon/test — do not study from a generic electrician prep guide.
2. Know the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) inside and out. The NEC is the backbone of the Idaho electrical exam. Focus especially on Article 100 (Definitions), Article 200 (Use and Identification of Grounded Conductors), Article 210 (Branch Circuits), Article 230 (Services), and Article 310 (Conductors for General Wiring). Tab and index your copy before exam day.
3. Prepare your binder properly before exam day — not the morning of. The reference manual must be printed, hole-punched, and in a three-ring binder. Post-its are confiscated. Do a full prep run at least a week before your exam.
4. Practice open-book speed. Idaho’s electrical exam is open book, but 100 questions in 270 minutes means you have about 2.7 minutes per question. You need to be fast at finding answers — not just knowing they exist. Time yourself with practice sets.
5. Study Idaho-specific statutes, not just the NEC. A meaningful portion of the exam covers Idaho Administrative Code IDAPA 24.39.10 and Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 10. These cover licensing requirements, permit rules, inspection requirements, and disciplinary procedures. Know them.
6. Take a prep course if you failed once. Several providers offer Idaho-specific electrical exam prep courses. These are particularly valuable for applicants who are strong on practical skills but weaker on code interpretation.
7. Aim for 80%, not 70% (Journeyman) or 75% (Master). Preparing above the pass mark gives you a comfortable margin for the questions you second-guess on exam day.

Idaho vs. Neighboring States: How Does Licensing Compare?

For electricians working across state lines or considering relocation, here is how Idaho’s requirements stack up against neighboring states:

State	Experience Required	Exam	CE Required
Idaho	8,000 hrs + 4-yr school OR 16,000 hrs	NASCLA via PSI	No — eliminated 2025
Oregon	8,000 hrs + approved apprenticeship	PSI	Yes
Washington	8,000 hrs + approved apprenticeship	Trade exam	Yes
Montana	8,000 hrs + 4-yr school OR 16,000 hrs	PSI	No
Wyoming	8,000 hrs work experience	PSI	Yes
Nevada	4 years verified experience	ICC exam	Yes
Utah	8,000 hrs	PSI	Yes

Idaho’s 2025 elimination of the CE renewal requirement makes it one of the least burdensome states for license maintenance in the region. The 16,000-hour no-school pathway also gives experienced self-taught electricians a viable route to licensure that several neighboring states do not offer.

How Much Does an Electrician Make in Idaho?

The investment in licensing pays off. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2025, Idaho electricians earn a median annual wage of $63,000 ($30.29/hour) — just 0.3% below the national median of $63,190, while Idaho’s cost of living remains well below the national average.

Idaho Electrician Salary by Experience Level

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025

Top earners make more than twice what entry-level workers take home — a gap driven almost entirely by licensure level and whether you run your own contracting operation.

Idaho Electrician Salary by City

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025

Lewiston leads the state due to its strong industrial and manufacturing base. Boise, despite being the largest market, sits slightly below the state median.

Master Electricians, Contractors, and Federal Work

Licensed Master Electricians in supervisory roles typically earn $75,000–$95,000 in Idaho’s major markets. Electrical Contractors running their own business bill $85–$150+/hour for commercial work, with no hard ceiling on take-home pay.

For federally funded projects, the Davis-Bacon Act applies. Current Idaho prevailing wage determinations show $49.55/hour base + $19.09/hour in fringe benefits — roughly $68.64/hour effective (Source: U.S. DOL Wage and Hour Division, 2026). These rates apply only to federal contracts above the Davis-Bacon threshold.

Is an Idaho Electrical License Worth It Financially?

The median Idaho electrician earns $63,000/year with no four-year degree. Master Electricians and licensed contractors routinely hit $90,000–$100,000+. With a location quotient of 1.36, electricians are 36% more concentrated in Idaho than the national average — demand is strong and consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to do electrical work in Idaho?

Yes — Idaho requires an active electrical license for any professional electrical work, including both individual electricians and contracting businesses. Homeowners are permitted to perform electrical work on their own primary residence, but they are expected to have the skills and knowledge to do so safely and in compliance with Idaho’s current electrical code. Any paid electrical work — whether commercial, residential, or industrial — requires licensure.

How many hours do I need to get an Idaho electrical journeyman license?

You need either 8,000 hours of supervised work experience combined with a 4-year board-approved apprenticeship program, or 16,000 hours of supervised electrical installation experience with no school requirement. Both pathways must be documented with a Work Verification Form signed by your supervising electrician. Hours in appliance repair, motor winding, or communications do not count.

How much does an Idaho electrical license cost?

The total initial cost for a Journeyman license is $145 — $15 application fee, $55 license fee, and a $75 PSI exam fee. A Master license costs $155 total ($15 + $65 + $75). An Electrical Contractor license costs $140 total ($15 + $125), plus the $75 exam fee, for $215 all in. All fees are sourced from the official Idaho Electrical Board fee schedule at DOPL.

What exam do I need to pass for an Idaho electrical license?

Idaho requires the NASCLA exam through PSI for Journeyman and Master licensure. The exam costs $75 and has 100 questions with a 270-minute time limit. The Journeyman passing score is 70%; the Master passing score is 75%. Both are open book — you bring your own printed reference materials. Register at test-takers.psiexams.com/idcon/test.

How long does it take to get an Idaho journeyman electrician license?

The fastest pathway is approximately 4 years — completing a board-approved 4-year apprenticeship program and 8,000 hours of supervised work simultaneously, then passing the PSI exam. The work-experience-only pathway (16,000 hours) typically takes 7 to 8 years at full-time pace. After passing the exam and submitting your application, DOPL processing adds several weeks.

How long is an Idaho electrical journeyman license valid?

A Journeyman Electrician license in Idaho is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. Renewal costs $45. As of 2025, continuing education is no longer required for renewal — completing the renewal application and paying the fee is all that is needed.

Can I transfer my electrical license from another state to Idaho?

Yes, Idaho offers a reciprocity pathway for Journeyman and Master electricians licensed in other states, provided your home state’s standards are equivalent to Idaho’s. You still need to pass the Idaho PSI exam, but you do not need to re-document your work experience if your home state required equivalent hours. Submit a License Verification Form from your home state’s licensing authority — a copy of your license is not accepted.

Do I need a separate contractor license to run an electrical business in Idaho?

Yes — an Electrical Contractor License is a separate business-entity credential, and it is required in addition to any individual Journeyman or Master credential. The contractor license costs $125 initially and renews annually at $100. Your business must employ at least one active Idaho-licensed Journeyman or Master, and you must pass the Idaho Electrical Contractor exam through PSI.

Is continuing education required to renew my Idaho electrical license?

No — as of 2025, continuing education is no longer required to renew an Electrical Journeyman or Master license in Idaho. This was a rule change by the Idaho Electrical Board. Simply pay the renewal fee ($45) before your license expiration date. If you received advice based on older rules, this is a significant update worth noting.

What happens if my Idaho electrical license expires?

If your Journeyman or Master license lapses, you can reinstate it by paying a $55 reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee. For Electrical Contractor and Limited Contractor licenses, the reinstatement fee is $125. Provisional Journeyman licenses cannot be reinstated — you must reapply. Working with an expired license is a violation of Idaho law and may subject you to disciplinary action by the Board.

Where can I take the PSI electrical exam in Idaho?

PSI testing centers for Idaho electrical exams are located in Boise (Westgate), Twin Falls (College of Southern Idaho), and Pocatello (Idaho State University), as well as Baker City, Oregon. You can also take Idaho exams at PSI centers in Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, and Nevada. Register online at test-takers.psiexams.com/idcon/test or call PSI at (855) 340-3713.

What is the passing score for the Idaho electrician exam?

The Journeyman exam passing score is 70%; the Master exam passing score is 75%. The Journeyman exam has 100 questions with a 270-minute time limit. The exam is open book with approved reference materials you bring yourself. Aim for 80% in your Journeyman preparation to give yourself a comfortable margin.

Can a homeowner do their own electrical work in Idaho?

Yes, Idaho allows homeowners to perform electrical work on their own primary residence, but they are held to the same code standards as licensed professionals. DOPL’s program information page notes that “homeowners performing electrical installations in the State of Idaho are expected to possess the skills and knowledge necessary to install electrical equipment safely and in a workmanlike manner.” Permits and inspections may still be required.

How do I verify that an electrician is licensed in Idaho?

You can verify any electrician’s or contractor’s active license for free through the DOPL License Search at edopl.idaho.gov. Search by name, license number, or business name. This database is public and updated in real time. If a contractor cannot provide a verifiable license number, do not hire them — unlicensed work puts you at legal and financial risk.

Other Trades in Idaho

HVAC

Plumbing

Pest Control